Saturday morning

[firm_detective]

It's the morning after the visit from B, about thirty-six hours after he lost consciousness in one of the kitchens, and L is still in bed.

At the moment, he is awake, sipping a cup of tea, trying to think past his fever. A few books (Du côté de chez Swann and Gravity's Rainbow) sit neglected on the nightstand.

There is a knock at the door.

[[Private to firmdetective, lastrunnerup, and misamisal.]]

Comments

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

*Mello tries the handle, and opens it only very slightly, since he wasn't told to come in.*

It isn't.

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

Then come in -- by all means.

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

*He does so, opening the door the rest of the way and stepping into the room before looking over his shoulder. He's had quite the wardrobe change-- still leather, but not with his preferred jacket.*

Do you want the door shut behind me?

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

Yes, but please don't lock it. I am not sure whether or not Misa has her key.

She is... distressed by my condition.

*He sets his teacup down on the nightstand, then gestures to the computer chair that sits at a desk on the same side of the room as his preferred side of the bed.*

Sit.

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

Mm.

*He shuts it carefully, and then crosses the room to sit where directed.*

... You... don't look well, Ryuuzaki.

*His voice is quiet.*

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*Instead of immediately responding, he stares at Mello. His eventual reply is succinct.*

... No. It is a fever. Quite high, now and then.

My entire body aches,
*he confesses.*

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

I see. You... I heard-- that there was a bit of commotion in the kitchen.

*He looks at L out of just the corner of his eye; his sunglasses, on as usual. He doesn't like keeping them off here.*

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*He looks down at the covers: the black sheets and dark red velvet duvet he's become used to.*

Yes. I lost consciousness in the kitchen.
They carried me back here.

*He continues to stare at his bedding, briefly, then returns his gaze to Mello.*

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

Do you have any idea as to what's wrong, Ryuuzaki?

*Still speaking quite quietly.*

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*He crooks his arm, then turns on his side and rests his head on his hand, against the pillow.*

It seems likely to be the illness that is going around.
Though... I don't have all the symptoms.

*His stare is unblinking, his face expressionless.*

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

The Near from my world... might have what you have. I--

Is it what the body had, do you think?

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*The news about Near unsettles him.*

Is he receiving adequate care, at least?

*He ponders the question, almost looking as if he's about to drop off to sleep, then arrives at a conclusion.*

... I think it doesn't matter. I have been ill since several days before we found the body.

Though Mihael -- one of your alternates, the German -- did tell me that a similar greenish discharge is a symptom.

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

I've been keeping him with me. I'm doing what I can, which quite honestly isn't much.

What I mean is... is what happened to that body-- going to happen to you and Near?

I met him. He has a rather loose mouth, doesn't he?

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

Good. Take care of him, and of yourself.

*He closes his eyes. If he allows himself to admit it, it's what he fears.*

I hope not.

*The comment about Mihael earns a tiny snort of amusement, though, pulling him out of his sickness and the beginnings of fear by an infinitesimal space.*

Yes, it's true.

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

I'll try my best, Ryuuzaki.

... I hope not, too. I don't want...

*He purses his lips and shakes his head, relaxing slightly at the snort.*

You're being taken care of?

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*Some of the sharpness returns to his gaze.*

What? For us all to wind up like that corpse, I suppose....

... Yes, Misa is taking very good care of me. She hates to leave, but she cannot be in two places at once... she went to fetch something.

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

... Right. I don't want that at all.

Ah.
*He doesn't seem to know what to say, whenever Misa is brought up, so he just shifts in his seat a little.*

Ryuuzaki, do you talk with Near often?

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*His head tilts to the side, pushing into his pillow. He is considering the question, but he has also noted Mello's discomfort when Misa is mentioned.*

I don't think I would call it often, but we have had a few conversations.

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

Does he tell you of how his part of the investigation is going?

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*Before answering, he struggles to sit up more, then reaches out the arm he isn't leaning on, retrieves his tea from the nightstand, and takes a long sip.*

I am sorry... very chilled.

To answer you... yes, to some extent. But... before you go any further... I should warn you that my recollection of those conversations... it is not currently what it could be.

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

I understand. I won't push it right now.

*He doesn't like seeing L like this.*

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*He doesn't react for a moment, then, frowning, moves his mouth around, opening and closing it a few times, clucking his tongue softly against the roof.*

If I may ask you for a favor...

There is a glass next to the sink,... in the bathroom. Would you please... bring me some cold... water? The tea is not wetting my mouth... I'm so thirsty.

And -- don't tell Misa. I told her I wanted... tea rather than water,... but she will still blame... herself for leaving me without it.

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

It's fine, Ryuuzaki. I'll get it for you.

*He stands right away and crosses to the bathroom, filling the glass with cold water from the tap. He pokes his head out first, before going back into the room, standing at L's bedside and holding the glass out.*

I won't tell her.

[firm-detective.livejournal.com]

*His hand trembles a little as he accepts the water, but he brings it to his mouth well enough, drinks it down. After a pause, he replies,*

Thank you. That's better.

How is Near? You haven't experienced any symptoms yet, have you?

[lastrunnerup.livejournal.com]

I'm glad.

Near is... he isn't in your condition, but he isn't exactly healthy. He has nightmares, apparently, but I don't know if it's fever-induced or if he just has them.
And I haven't, no.